STAT+: A suspicious denial pattern in Medicare Advantage

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis A suspicious denial pattern in Medicare Advantage You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJune 11, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For those interested in peptides, stem cells, supplements, red light treatments, hyperbaric chambers, body vibration devices, or getting ion balances through walking barefoot — RFK Jr.’s most recent podcast might be worth a listen. Send news tips and wellness advice to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal.Advertisement A pattern of denied care Casey Ross and Bob Herman have a follow-up to their award-winning reporting on how large Medicare Advantage insurers used artificial intelligence to override clinicians’ judgment and deny care to seriously ill older and disabled patients. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In CMS, Drug prices, health care costs, Health insurance, Medicare, medicare advantage, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended The Readout June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Novartis doubles down on molecular glue strategy Exclusive June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Private Medicare plans erect barriers to rehab care in pursuit of profit, federal investigators find Advertisement The Readout June 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Hope for Kendall Square’s lab market D.C. Diagnosis June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s health care affordability czar takes aim at hospitals The Readout June 9, 2026 Gilead and Merck’s latest trial success and flop Subscriber Picks